About

Anderson & Edwards was set up in February 2021 by James and Dean, after meeting in their first year of university. With the common vision of wanting to run their own businesses at some point, they eventually decided to join forces upon the realisation that they are stronger together!

With an office based in Edinburgh, Scotland, James specialises in tax and trust funds for our clients, whilst Dean is our expert in accounts, cloud software and cashflow forecasting. As the firm and our client base grows, we welcomed our Associate Director in 2024, Iain, who specialises in VAT as well as accountancy for businesses of all sizes.

As a firm, service is our number one priority, and we focus on quality over quantity. Our clients’ success is our success. We’ve worked in the industry long enough to know that excellent service is missing from many accountancy firms. That’s why we stand by doing the right thing, even if it means being brutally honest about your financial position. If we can’t help you, we’ll be upfront about it. If we can, we’ll do our best to make sure it is for your benefit.

Dean Anderson MA CA – Managing Director

Institute of Chartered Accountants, Scotland
Heriot-Watt University – Accounting and Finance

I started Anderson & Edwards with James because I wanted to advise business owners on how to run their businesses. But first, I needed to understand how to run my own business to help them out more.

• A member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)

• Dean’s experiences spans across small, medium & big four practices as well as working industry and overseas.

• Dean has worked with clients in almost every sector from hospitality and e-commerce, to golf courses and artists.

• He is a massive fan of F1 and coaching youth football teams. Loves cats and spending time with his young son and wife.

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James Edwards MA ATT CTA – Tax Director

Chartered Tax Advisor
Association of Taxation Technicians
Heriot-Watt University – Accounting and Finance

I didn't want anyone to put pressure on me for spending too much time getting to know my clients. A big part of starting Anderson & Edwards was to help others in the long term rather than the short term.

• A member of the Association of Tax Technicians and Chartered Tax Advisor issues.

• James specialises in the taxation of individuals as well as the taxation of trusts, estates, and inheritance tax. This allows him to deal with a range of issues, from employees with income tax issues, to farmers with capital gains tax and succession issues.

• Outside of tax, James is a keen musician, Edinburgh (and Welsh) Rugby fan, dabbles in bowls, and trying to find an excuse to get into sailing.

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Iain Harris BSc MSc CA CTA - Associate Director

Institute of Chartered Accountants, Scotland
Chartered Tax Adviser
University of Edinburgh – Medical Science
University of Edinburgh – Public Health

"I have joined Anderson & Edwards because I share their commitment to their clients’ growth. Our clients’ success is our firm’s business and I look forward to working with them to develop their growth."

• A member of both Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and Chartered Institute of Tax

• Iain has broad experience from a variety of roles in accounting, finance and tax – working both in accountancy practices and in-house for larger businesses.

• As an accountant, Iain particularly enjoys working with growing businesses, helping to ensure they achieve a sustainable profit base that supports their progress.

• As a tax adviser, Iain’s main interest is in VAT – taking time to unpick the often bizarre and seemingly illogical rules that can cause unexpected tax losses.

• Outside of work he spends his time running after a young family, cooking for family and friends, and hoping that at least one of the children will be keen on indoor climbing so he has an excuse for more trips to the climbing arena at Ratho!

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